safety measures Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 12, 2025

How Wiz achieved near-zero downtime for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL major version upgrades at scale using Aurora Blue/Green Deployments

Wiz upgraded its Aurora PostgreSQL database from version 14 to 16, achieving a significant reduction in downtime from approximately one hour to just 30 seconds. The upgrade was facilitated by an automated process called DB Upgrade Pilot, which utilized Amazon Aurora's Blue/Green Deployments. This process involved several steps: taking a cluster snapshot, provisioning a synchronized replica of the production database, executing a VACUUM ANALYZE for performance optimization, monitoring replication lag, and performing a switchover to the new environment. The upgrade included performance enhancements such as improved parallel query execution and faster aggregations, along with enhanced security features. The solution also incorporated safety measures like automatic rollback capability and robust validation steps to ensure a stable upgrade process.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Updating your Linux kernel sounds scary, but here’s why it’s no different from a Windows update

Updating the Linux kernel is generally straightforward and low-risk, similar to Windows updates. Most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint, manage kernel updates automatically through the package manager. When a new kernel is installed, the previous version remains intact, allowing users to revert to it if necessary via the GRUB boot menu. Kernel updates provide essential security patches, bug fixes, and improved hardware support. While manual installation of a kernel is possible, it is not required for most users. Tools are available for easier management of kernel versions, but the update process is designed to be user-friendly and safe.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

OpenAI open weight models now available on AWS

AWS has introduced two new OpenAI models with open weights, the gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, available through Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker JumpStart. These models are designed for text generation and reasoning tasks, excelling in coding, scientific analysis, and mathematical reasoning, with performance comparable to leading alternatives. They support a context window of 128K and adjustable reasoning levels (low, medium, high). Users can access these models via an OpenAI-compatible endpoint in Bedrock, utilizing the OpenAI SDK or Bedrock APIs for integration. To access the models in Amazon Bedrock, users must request access through the console and can evaluate them using the Chat/Test playground. The process for using the OpenAI SDK involves configuring the API endpoint and authentication with an Amazon Bedrock API key. Users can build AI agents using frameworks that support the Amazon Bedrock API or OpenAI API, with deployment facilitated by Amazon Bedrock AgentCore. The OpenAI models are available in the US West (Oregon) region through Amazon Bedrock and in the US East (Ohio, N. Virginia) and Asia Pacific (Mumbai, Tokyo) regions via SageMaker JumpStart. Each model provides full chain-of-thought output capabilities for enhanced interpretability. They can be modified and customized to meet specific needs, and security measures are in place to ensure robust evaluation processes. Compatibility with the standard GPT-4 tokenizer is also included. For cost details, users can refer to the Amazon Bedrock and SageMaker AI pricing pages.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Walmart recalls nearly 75,000 Minecraft toys due to deadly safety issue

A recall has been issued for Minecraft Light-Up Slap Ruler Bracelets, models 718508MCR and 718075MCR, due to safety concerns regarding easy access to the battery compartment by children. Approximately 75,900 units are affected, sold at Walmart between March and May 2025. The bracelets contain button cell batteries that pose a risk of severe internal chemical burns if ingested. Consumers are advised to stop using the bracelets and contact Innovative Designs LLC for disposal instructions and refunds, providing photographic evidence of disposal. There has been one reported incident of a battery detaching, but no injuries have been documented. The bracelets were manufactured in China.

Tech Optimizer

July 25, 2025

I Lost My Production Database Overnight—Here’s the Tool I Built So You Don’t

A moment of fatigue led to a significant mishap in a production database, resulting in the loss of approximately 30% of revenue. This incident prompted the creation of an open-source PostgreSQL backup and monitoring tool called Postgresus, which is built using Go, gin, gorm, React, TypeScript, and PostgreSQL, and packaged in Docker. The tool allows for scheduled backups, storage in cloud options, and notifications about backup success or failure. It also alerts users if the database becomes unresponsive. The creator experienced a database corruption incident in 2023 while managing a pet project, which resulted in the overwriting of user emails and significant operational challenges. The initial version of the backup tool was developed in Java but later transitioned to Go for improved performance. The project aims to enhance PostgreSQL monitoring and expand notification channels and storage support. The creator has adopted safety rules for database management, including performing a SELECT before executing an UPDATE and conducting restoration drills every three months.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Researcher tricks ChatGPT into revealing security keys – by saying “I give up”

Security researcher Marco Figueroa revealed vulnerabilities in AI models, specifically GPT-4, that can be exploited through simple user prompts. He described an incident where researchers tricked ChatGPT into revealing a Windows product key by using a 'guessing game' prompt, bypassing safety measures. The phrase "I give up" was identified as a trigger that led the AI to disclose sensitive information. Although the product keys were not unique and had been shared online, the vulnerabilities could allow malicious actors to extract personally identifiable information or share harmful content. Figueroa recommends that AI developers implement logic-level safeguards to detect deceptive framing and consider social engineering tactics in their security measures.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

channelnews : Epic Settles Samsung Antitrust Case Over Android App Store Restrictions

Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, dismissing allegations of collusion with Google to restrict rival app marketplaces on Android devices. The lawsuit, initiated in September, accused Samsung of working with Google to maintain its market dominance, particularly through Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which was designed to prevent malicious software but also hindered downloads from competing app stores. The settlement removes Samsung from the broader antitrust case, leaving Google as the sole defendant on remaining claims. Both companies deny wrongdoing, with Google calling the lawsuit "meritless." The settlement comes ahead of Samsung's new Galaxy phone announcements and does not disclose specific terms. Epic's ongoing challenges with its mobile app store highlight the difficulties faced by alternative marketplace operators.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Introducing Messaging and Highlighted Perspectives on Threads

Threads has been active for two years and is evolving into a significant social application for Meta, with over a third of its daily users following accounts different from their Instagram connections. The platform has introduced direct messaging (DMs) to facilitate one-on-one conversations, initially available only between Threads followers or mutual Instagram followers aged 18 and older, with privacy and safety measures in place. Upcoming messaging enhancements include message controls, group messaging, and inbox filters. Additionally, Threads has launched the Threads highlighter to spotlight unique viewpoints and encourage thoughtful discussions in the app.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Ads From Verizon, Shell, and Others Ran Next to Explicit Videos on Top Android App

Major brands such as Verizon, Amazon, and Popeyes found their advertisements appearing alongside inappropriate content on the short-form video platform XShorts, which has over a million downloads and promotes itself as a hub for "short and hot videos." Despite its 'Teen' rating, the app has been criticized for hosting sexually suggestive and racially offensive material. Google assessed that XShorts breached its advertising policies, resulting in the suspension of the app's monetization capabilities. Advertisements from brands like Shell, Walgreens, Microsoft, and others were observed alongside explicit content. In response, brands like Roblox and Puck have taken measures to ensure brand safety, while Meta has removed XShorts from their Audience Network for policy violations. The incident highlights the challenges advertisers face in maintaining brand safety on emerging platforms.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

How to turn off antivirus

Antivirus software is crucial for digital security, providing protection against malware threats. Users may need to disable antivirus temporarily for reasons such as system resource consumption, particularly during resource-intensive tasks like gaming, or to bypass false positives when installing applications. Disabling antivirus software poses risks, especially when browsing the internet, as even legitimate sites can be compromised. Precautions to take when disabling antivirus include disconnecting from the internet, avoiding USB drives, using trusted networks, closing non-essential applications, verifying the legitimacy of downloaded files, and limiting browsing to secure websites. Users should promptly re-enable their antivirus after completing necessary tasks.